Ohio State almost blows huge lead, hangs on over Michigan

The Ohio State Buckeyes managed to hold off a late Michigan comeback to advance to the Big Ten Championship.

In recent memory, Ohio State Buckeyes has always seemed to have gotten the better of the rival Michigan Wolverines, especially in football. But on Saturday, the Buckeyes have some bragging rights when it comes to mens basketball.

No. 5 Ohio State defeated No. 1 Michigan 68-67 to advance to the Big Ten Championship Game. The Buckeyes actually had a 63-50 lead over the Wolverines with a little over four minutes remaining in regulation, but their rivals stormed back to pull within one point. Guard Mike Smith attempted a pull-back jumper to potentially win the game at the buzzer, but it bounced off the rim to end their journey in the Big Ten tournament.

Buckeyes: Ohio State advances to the Big Ten Championship Game

While the Buckeyes almost became the victims of the dreaded “blown lead” meme, they held on just enough to hand Michigan a tough loss ahead of the NCAA tournament.

Junior guard Duane Washington Jr. led the way for the Buckeyes, as he recorded 24 points (9-for-20 from field), six rebounds and four assists. Sophomore forward E.J. Liddell scored 18 points (5-for-14 from field), grabbed five rebounds and dished out three assists.

As for Michigan, freshman center Hunter Dickinson was all for naught. Dickinson recorded 21 points (9-for-14 from field), eight rebounds, one block and one steal in the loss.

Ohio State will now participate in the Conference Championship Game on Sunday afternoon against the winner of Saturday’s contest between No. 2 Illinois and No. 3 Iowa.

For more NCAA basketball news, analysis, opinion and features, check out more from the FanSided college basketball section to stay on top of the latest action.